The Results

The school bell rang, sharp and loud. The hallway buzzed with noise as students rushed out of their classrooms, papers clutched in their hands, comparing scores, some laughing, some sulking.

[Neil’s School]

Neil sat straight in his chair, result sheet neatly in front of him. His marks were clear: 89. Almost perfect. His teacher adjusted her glasses, smiling proudly.
“Good job, Neil. You’re consistent as always. Everyone, learn from him.”

The class broke into applause. Neil rubbed the back of his neck, a little embarrassed, but he smiled politely.
“Thank you, ma’am.”

His friends leaned over.
“Woah, 89? Crazy, bro!”
“Teach us your secret!”

Neil just laughed. “Nothing big. Just focus in class.”

Still, inside, his heart warmed. It wasn’t just the marks—it was the feeling that his hard work actually meant something.

[Aarav’s School]

On the other side, Aarav sat slouched in the back row, his paper sliding down his desk.
43.

The teacher sighed as she walked past him.
“Aarav… well, it’s at least better than last time. Keep it up.”

Her words weren’t cruel, but they carried no pride either. The class snickered quietly. Aarav clicked his pen, pretending not to care, though his ears burned.

(Thoughts)
“Better than last time, huh? As if that’s something to celebrate…”

Still, he folded the paper and stuffed it into his bag. Forty-three wasn’t good. But at least it wasn’t a complete disaster.

[Outside the Schools]

The sun was warm that afternoon. Neil was already standing by the gate, his bag slung neatly over one shoulder. His uniform was crisp as always, and the faint smell of perfume still clung to him.

Aarav walked out slowly, hands in his pockets, trying to look casual. When their eyes met, Neil waved.
“Brother! How was it?”

Aarav smirked half-heartedly.
“Not great. Forty-three.”

Neil blinked, then smiled softly.
“At least you passed. That’s something.”

Aarav raised an eyebrow. “And you?”

Neil scratched his cheek. “Uh… eighty-nine.”

Aarav’s smirk fell flat.
“…Tch. Figures.”

There was no teasing from Neil, no arrogance. He simply looked at him with calm eyes. Then, slowly, he leaned in.
“So… you remember our deal, right?”

Aarav groaned, tilting his head back toward the sky.
“Yeah, yeah. I lost. Big deal. What’re you gonna do, at most? Make me fold clothes properly? Wake up early? Eat salad or something?”

Neil’s lips curled into a sly smile. His voice was light, but his eyes sparkled with mischief.
“Let’s see.”

Aarav frowned. “Why do I not like that tone?”

Neil chuckled, extending his hand.
“Brother… ready for the month?”

Aarav slapped his hand into Neil’s, gripping it tightly.
“Fine. But don’t think I’m scared. My IQ’s enough to beat you in the long run.”

Neil held the handshake a second longer, leaning closer, his smile playful yet dangerous.

“Brother… you don’t know what’s coming.”

(Thoughts)
You’re cooked.

The two of them stood there, hands locked, sunlight spilling over their faces. One calm, determined. The other annoyed, already regretting his words.

The month ahead had just begun.